What is our primary use case?
The main purpose of Access Points is because most of the users use only mobile devices and portable devices. We use other special applications dedicated to our company through mobile devices only. We are connecting to the application.
We currently use our ERP systems and other things on an on-premises server basis. But in the near future, we are moving to the cloud basis. So when we go to the cloud basis, actually, we want to connect very fast.
We use Access Points for the same thing, to connect to cloud-based applications, also within our on-premises servers. Those are the main key areas why we use Access Points.
What is most valuable?
Omada Access Points are very good in terms of wired technologies and wired connectivity. Nowadays, all technologies are developing for mobility and portability, but a wired connection is not good for all applications, especially mobile applications.
Omada Access Points are very compatible with both wired and wireless technologies, which makes them very good for a wide range of applications.
What needs improvement?
The problem is that when the number of users increases, TP-Link automatically drops the speed, and in terms of coverage, it falls short. We are not using any industrial-level equipment or accuracy. We are looking for something at the industrial level, advanced Access Points, not the basic ones from TP-Link.
Omada Access Points could be improved in terms of connectivity and speed. That is the main thing. The other thing is security. Currently, most people are sharing their passwords, allowing unauthorized users to access Wi-Fi networks. So, the main areas for improvement are security, accessibility, and speed.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Omada Access Points from TP-Link for more than seven years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We have some issues with stability. That's why we are looking for the best Wi-Fi solutions.
It is not so fast. That is the main problem. It is not only from the access point, so we are also looking for some firewall parts. So now we resolved it for the firewall part, but now we are looking for something like this Wi-Fi device.
So that's why the thing is the Internet speed, another one is security. Security domains have unauthorized access through sharing their password and other things. That's the thing we want to minimize.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability-wise, this solution when integrated with Huawei is not a very scalable product, but all other networks, such as Aruba, have good integrations with other technologies. So, scalability-wise, those things are good.
We have about 70 users in our location.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support: we are communicating with only one vendor. So he is good in technical support, but we are not dealing with the original technical support place or for the mobile.
So we don't have that much experience from the device itself, device manufacturers itself.
How was the initial setup?
We just purchased it from some other vendor and installed it ourselves. Access Point installation is easy, but it's a little bit difficult when we are searching for some special features.
Deployment requires some additional risk skills because when we require some new features or new products. So, it may take a little more time than the normal time.
What about the implementation team?
One Access Point takes me about one hour to complete everything and the features. The basic installation I can do that myself. But when it regularly requires something like Aruba and Juniper, they are coming in with some special features. Before I move to the new installation, I need some hands-on experience, and then I can move.
Maintenance is actually 50% easy, 50% difficult. Some Aruba access points have a centralized maintenance system, which is very good. But if we have to maintain individual access points one by one, it's not comfortable. New technologies are more user-friendly because we can connect all access points to a centralized location and maintain them from there. So, the maintenance part is good overall.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
TP-Link is a good price. They have a good price. But technology-wise, it has to be better.
The licensing cost is a one-time purchase.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Personally, we believe that Omada Access Points are not good enough for our requirements and the location. So, that's why, instead of TP-Link, we need some advanced technologies, something like Aruba or Juniper. We are currently using the very basic TP-Link ones, which don't cover our requirements. That's why we are looking for other technologies.
What other advice do I have?
When we select the access point, we need to search for speed and security. And if a centralized management system is available, that's the best one. So, that is the initial thing I want to advise other users.
Overall, I would rate the solution a seven out of ten. There are areas of improvement.
*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
